Drake To Host The 2014 ESPYS

ESPN announced on Wednesday that Canadian recording artist and Toronto Raptors global ambassador Drake will host The 2014 ESPYS on Wednesday, July 16 in Los Angeles.

The Awards will be televised live on ESPN and also on TSN.

“Drake is an unbelievably talented entertainer who truly has a passion for sports. We are thrilled to have him to host this year’s show,” said Connor Schell, vice president, ESPN Films and Original Entertainment in a statement.

Drake – currently on his international “Would You Like a Tour” in support of his third studio album, Nothing Was the Same – holds the record for the most number one hits on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to combine two of my biggest passions—sports and performing,” said Drake.

The ESPYS gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The 2014 ESPYS will recognize both sport-specific achievements, such as “Best MLB Player” and “Best WNBA Player,” and best-in-sport winners, such as “Best Team” or “Best Female Athlete” that pit nominees from different sports against each other.